Interview: the cast of Stick Man

Based on the picturebook written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, Stick Maninvites audiences at The Lowry to join the loveable twig on his quest to make it home in time for Christmas. The cast – Lara Cowin, Matthew Hamper, and Robert Wade – tell us about the show…

Photo courtesy of Sindri Swan

Lara, who do you play in STICK MAN?

Stick Lady Love.

Which is your favourite part of the show?

This varies but I do really enjoy the ‘snow scene’ which takes place a little later in the show. Stick Man has been through a lot and this moment is rather poignant. He’s cold, months have passed, the seasons have changed and the stakes are getting higher. Will he ever make it back to the Family Tree?

What are you most looking forward to when performing at The Lowry?

I have always wanted to perform at The Lowry so I am very excited about this upcoming run! I have only ever heard positive things about the venue. Plus, I am really looking forward to getting to know Manchester. I have only been to the city a couple of times, but I think it will be a magical place over Christmas. I’m delighted to be here!

What moment in the show do children most react to?

The children usually love the moments with audience interaction such as the dog chase and the beach ball scene. Sometimes their enthusiasm and sheer joy is totally infectious and makes our job onstage incredibly rewarding. The children often know all the words and are bold enough to speak along with us. I particularly love it when they shout words of reassurance to Stick Man; ‘don’t worry, you’ll make it back to the Family Tree!’. That’s very cute.

Why should families come to see STICK MAN?

Stick Man is not just a children’s show. It’s for the whole family! It’s imaginative, quirky, funny and a vibrant spectacle with singing, music and dancing. It’s a beautiful story with heart – you care about the characters and, mostly, Stick Man finding his way safely home. It has been a joy to return to the role of Stick Lady Love.

Matthew, who do you play in STICK MAN?

Photo courtesy of Jennie Scott

Stick Man.

Which is your favourite part of the show?

Stick Man goes through a pretty tough time trying to find his family tree, so I guess it has to be when he arrives back home to his Stick Lady Love and the stick children.

What are you most looking forward to when performing at The Lowry?

The Lowry is a wonderful place to be for Christmas. I’ve done a few shows that have been there, and I always enjoy the atmosphere of the place, and of course the audiences. I guess walking along the water seeing the building lit up every day will be pretty cool.

What moment in the show do children most react to?

I think they go a bit crazy when Stickman gets chased by the dog into the audience! He doesn’t want to be chewed up or get slobber on him.

Why should families come to see STICK MAN?

They should see Stick Man because there’s lots of fun, music and of course a special guest appearance from someone who has travelled all the way from the North Pole.

Robert, who do you play in STICK MAN?

Photo courtesy of Nicholas Dawkes

I play a few different characters in Stick Man – from the no nonsense Park Keeper, to the flouncy ukulele playing Beach Man. I also have the role of the Musician and can be seen frantically hitting and playing an array of different percussion instruments as well as the Saxophone and ukulele from behind the Musician’s corner. 28 instruments in total!

Which is your favourite part of the show?

My favourite part of the show is when Stick Man floats out to sea and is caught in a snowstorm. It gives me the perfect opportunity to whack the cymbals dramatically and be incredibly loud. This is brilliant fun!

What are you most looking forward to when performing at The Lowry?

Being up North and exploring Manchester.

What moment in the show do children most react to?

The children love the appearance of a much loved, beardy white, dressed all in red fellow who rides a sleigh and works for one night a year! His appearance often brings gasps and flurries of applause.

Why should families come to see STICK MAN?

Stick Man is charming – it’s full of live music, singing, jokes, dancing, loud cymbals, magical moment, excitement and it’s full of love. It’s the perfect family show for Christmas. It’s quick, snappy and a real dramatic rollercoaster. Stick Mania is amazing… it’s only topped by Beatles Mania!